The club concept: targeting behavioral issues in a residential setting for cognitively impaired adults

Behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia are common in residential care facilities. These symptoms not only detract from the quality of life of the resident with dementia, but they can be disruptive to the unit and result in harm to staff and other residents. With the trend away from pharmacological management, other creative psychosocial-environmental strategies are being explored. One innovative approach involves the use of the club concept, where selected agitated residents spend a portion of the day in a separate structured environment. This program combines trained staff and tailored activities that optimize mental stimulation, functional independence, and self-esteem. Benefits include reduced incidents of aggressive behaviors and use of psychoactive medications, as well as enhanced quality of life. Not only do the participants benefit from time spent in this specialized setting, but the therapeutic milieu of the facility is also enhanced. Further evaluation of such strategies is needed to quantify the benefits of targeted behavioral interventions for those with cognitive impairment.